The Evansville Animal Control & Education Commission has officially classified a dog named Safari as a dangerous animal following a recent meeting on October 25, 2024. This determination comes after multiple reports of aggressive behavior, including a recent incident where the dog bit a person. The commission emphasized that its decision was based on the animal's past aggressive actions rather than its breed, in accordance with local regulations.

During the meeting, the commission discussed the criteria for classifying an animal as dangerous, which includes the potential threat to humans or pets and any history of aggressive behavior. The members deliberated on whether the bite constituted serious bodily injury, ultimately concluding that it did not meet the threshold defined by municipal code, as the injuries were not severe.

As a result of the classification, the commission has mandated several restrictions to ensure public safety. These include requiring the dog to be kept indoors under adult supervision, confined within a locked fenced area when outdoors, and leashed at all times when outside. Additionally, the owner must register the dog with animal control and notify authorities of any changes regarding the animal's health or ownership.

The commission also imposed training requirements for the owner, mandating attendance at sessions with certified animal behaviorists. Other stipulations include the potential for neutering the dog and the necessity for the animal to be microchipped for identification purposes.

The commission's actions reflect a commitment to balancing public safety with responsible pet ownership, ensuring that measures are in place to prevent future incidents. The next steps will involve monitoring compliance with these restrictions and evaluating the situation should further aggressive behavior occur.